The 10 Best Medical Colleges in Canada for International Students

Medicine is one of the most sought-after programs for study in Canada among international students, and especially Indian students after completing 12th class level schooling. The reason for this is that Canada has some of the best medical colleges and prominent medical academics. After all, this is the hub of cutting-edge biomedical research, disease studies and cancer treatment research.

That said, it is reported that Canada may have to grapple with a huge deficit in the number of doctors and physicians required by 2028, with the primary area of the deficit being that of family doctors. Considering the increase in population and dearth of doctors, medical colleges in Canada need to train another 30,000 physicians to maintain the average number of doctors per population.

This makes Canada a worthwhile destination for aspiring doctors from India and the world.    
 

In fact, Canada is the preferred study destination for any international student because of its affordable education system, relatively easier immigration policies and welcoming attitude towards immigrants.

Now, keeping in mind the needs and interest of prospective medical students, we have listed below the best colleges for studying medicine in Canada. Let’s have a look at them:

 

Best Medical Colleges Overview  

College Name	QS Ranking
University of Toronto	10
McGill University	22
University of British Columbia	27
McMaster University	37
Université de Montréal	70
University of Calgary	83
University of Alberta	90
University of Ottawa	111
Queen's University, Kingston	151-200
Université de Sherbrooke	401-450

List of Best Medical Colleges in Canada   

1. University of Toronto

Home to the invention of the cardiac pacemaker, University of Toronto is one of the leading MBBS colleges in Canada for international students. It is ranked 10 by QS world rankings in the field of medicine. Its style of teaching is ideal for medicine students as it aptly focuses on creating empathetic physicians besides developing the right skills, in a student-centered learning environment.

2. University of Ottawa

Another top medical college in Canada for international students is University of Ottawa. It is the first and the largest bilingual medical faculty in Canada ( English and French). Located in the capital city of Canada, it has one of the top faculties in the world for research impact in biomedical and health sciences. It offers specialized undergraduate degrees in translational and molecular medicine. The school of medicine generates $130-140 million per year in research funding.

3. McGill University

Located in Montreal, McGill University is the oldest medical school of Canada and one of its best. With a global rank 22 in the QS world university rankings for medicine, this university’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is world-renowned for advanced biomedical research. Its affiliated teaching hospitals give medical students the opportunity to work within four hospitals, including the well-known McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).    

4. University of British Columbia

When it comes to the best universities in Canada, one cannot miss the University of British Columbia. Located in Vancouver, this university has a great reputation and one of the best campuses. Its medical courses provide an intuitive blend of medical learning with scientific knowledge. The MD program here is a well- structured course, with due emphasis on technology, innovation, and patient-centered care.     
 

5. McMaster University

Located in Ontario, McMaster University is another good medical university in Canada. Its School of Medicine was established in 1965 and renamed the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in 2004. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate medical education programs. With a top-class curriculum, it commands an 86% employment rate within 6 months of graduation and 100% employment rate within a year. 

6. Université de Montréal

With a 170-year history, the University of Montreal is a leading international public research university. Its Faculty of Medicine is dedicated to the three missions of education, research, and health improvement through health sciences, basic sciences, and clinical sciences. The school's curriculum prepares students for medical roles such as general and specialist practitioners, researchers, clinical science professionals. It holds collaborations with key healthcare industry entities and also handles healthcare obligations assigned by the Quebec government. 

7. University of Calgary

Another widely considered medical college in Canada is University of Calgary. Located in the town of Calgary in Alberta province, it offers a range of degree and specialization programs in the field of medicine. University of Calgary is the top public research university in Canada for multiple disciplines. It is also one of the more affordable institutions for international students.

8. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta has a well-deserved reputation among medical colleges in Canada. Set up in 1913, its Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is the most prestigious medical institution in the country. UAlberta offers a diverse residency program and the best research facilities. It applies problem-based learning and small group-based case studies to make medical learning more comprehensive.

9. Queen's University, Kingston

Located in Ontario, the School of Medicine at Queen’s University was set up about 150 years ago. It offers diverse programs in medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate level that cater to the medical interest of any international student. The curriculum is particularly known for its integration of clinical and basic sciences that orient students for a future in practice or research. The university is ranked among the top 200 colleges worldwide for medicine.

10. Université de Sherbrook

Located in the Quebec Province, Universite de Sherbrooke is a French speaking institute that has become a hub for international students from across the globe. Founded in 1954, this university has one of the best medical colleges in Canada. The UdeS Medical School was established in 1966. The university is known for its dedicated approach to research and cutting-edge technology. The Faculty of Medicine also teaches in French so you need to have working knowledge of the language before applying.

 

Conclusion

With this, we come to the end of our list of best colleges to pursue medicine in Canada. International students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine should try to get admission to one of these colleges; they provide affordable, high-level medical education through internationally renowned faculties which prepares students to become the best medical professionals and researchers.

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